Community-associated Methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus

Bala Hota,Robert Weinstein

doi:10.3201/eid1209.060162

Abstract

Community-associated Methicillin-resistant<i>Staphylococcus aureus</i>

Highlights

We assessed the utility of administrative databases, a computerized clinical data repository, and an electronic rule to enhance surveillance for CAMRSA at Stroger (Cook County) Hospital, a 464-bed public safety net hospital in Chicago, and its associated clinics—all part of the Cook County Bureau of Health Services (CCBHS)
Using data collected within the Chicago Antimicrobial Resistance Project computerized clinical data repository (9) from September 1, 2001, to August 31, 2004, we developed an electronic rule to define persons with CA infection with S. aureus
Infections from patients who met the following electronic case definition were designated CA: 1) culture obtained as an outpatient or within the first 3 days of hospitalization, 2) no clinical culture with MRSA in the last 6 months, 3) no hospitalization or surgeries within 1 year, and 4) no hemodialysis

Summary

Introduction

We assessed the utility of administrative databases, a computerized clinical data repository, and an electronic rule to enhance surveillance for CAMRSA at Stroger (Cook County) Hospital, a 464-bed public safety net hospital in Chicago, and its associated clinics—all part of the Cook County Bureau of Health Services (CCBHS). Using data collected within the Chicago Antimicrobial Resistance Project computerized clinical data repository (9) from September 1, 2001, to August 31, 2004, we developed an electronic rule to define persons with CA infection with S. aureus. Infections from patients who met the following electronic case definition were designated CA: 1) culture obtained as an outpatient or within the first 3 days of hospitalization, 2) no clinical culture with MRSA in the last 6 months, 3) no hospitalization or surgeries within 1 year, and 4) no hemodialysis.

Results

Conclusion